Reader’s Corner: The Craft and Its Symbols

Reader’s Corner

The Craft and Its Symbols: Opening the Door to Masonic Symbolism

by Bro. Allen E. Roberts

A Book review by WB:. Kevin A. Wheeler

In my opinion, the book entitled The Craft and Its Symbols: Opening the Door to Masonic Symbolism by Bro. Allen E. Roberts is a great work that is well written and easily understood and should accompany every Masonic Bible given to the newly raised Master Mason. I feel so strongly about providing this book to all Master Masons because it explains in detail most of the symbols that we are introduced to throughout our journey through the symbolic degrees. This book is excellent because it can serve as an introduction for new Master Masons, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of some of Masonry’s symbols and serve as a reminder for those seasoned Master Masons.

Bro. Roberts begins his book by discussing and describing the Entered Apprentice Degree and its symbolism. He describes how your journey through the first degree is symbolically and spiritually a rebirth. He also explains what Masonry is, its origins, and how there were originally only two degrees. The creation of the third degree dated between 1725 and 1738, the oldest known Masonic document, the Regius Poem, places Masonry in England at or around 526 A.D., and more. Bro. Roberts explained things that I do not recall from the ritual, such as the meaning behind the removal of the shoe, or the cable-tow, etc. In addition to explaining some of the meanings of the symbols that were not explained, he also offered alternative definitions to the symbols we do know, offering a more profound understanding for new and seasoned Master Masons alike. izing stages in life, Infancy, Manhood, and old age. When discussing the Fellowcraft Degree, he provides additional definitions for the working tools. In our journey into manhood or the Fellowcraft Degree, Bro. Roberts offered an alternative explanation of the flight of winding stairs that was unfamiliar to me. When discussing the symbols of the Master Mason’s Degree, Bro. Roberts yet again offers an additional meaning to that of the cable-tow. One thing that caught my attention was when Bro. Roberts explained the journey from Entered Apprentice through Fellowcraft to the doorsteps of the Master Mason’s Degree, symbolically, he did this when he stated, “Symbolically, you spent seven years in learning that worldly attraction, money, and other material things are not important. They are only important if they can be used to benefit your fellow man. You went through five more years, symbolically, in self-analysis. You learned to control your mind, your body, and your heart. You used the tools of architecture to square, level, and plumb your spiritual Temple. You proved to your lodge that you were ready to search for Truth. You had squared your life and actions perfectly”. (p. 63-64) To me, the above statement can also be one’s journey through life; in the beginning, you learned the basics, as a teen, you figured yourself out, and as a man or a Master Mason, your journey continues as you learn the world.

In continuing with this wonderfully written book by Bro. Roberts, he tells us about Bro. Thomas Smith Webb, who has been called the “father” of ritual in America, as he developed his own version of the English Ritual by Bro. William Preston. One meaningful

revelation that Bro. Roberts introduced me to in this book was that the altar and its Volume of Sacred Law, Square, and Compasses symbolize the Ark of the Covenant.

Overall, I immensely enjoyed Bro. Robert’s book entitled The Craft and Its Symbols: Opening the Door to Masonic Symbolism, I thought it was a great book that every Master Mason should acquire and read. Bro. Roberts is a great writer, and I look forward to reading more of his works, as I learned a great deal. Traces the history of Masonry in America. But it is not simply a history of Freemasonry in isolation. It attempts to set it against the general history of time. The earlier part is a chronicle of the introduction of Masonry into the various thirteen original colonies. Throughout the latter part, the names of Freemasons are fully capitalized.

Other books by Allen E. Roberts Include:

The Mystic Tie

G. Washington: Master Mason

This is one of the few books which approaches the man from a human interest standpoint. Here we learn what the man was really like--how his friends, neighbors, soldiers, and statesmen regarded him. The author has let Washington tell his own story. His own words, as he wrote them, are used throughout this story of his life. From his birth to his death, we learn what influenced Washington. We find that he was far ahead of his time. Learn things about Washington you never knew before. Five original sketches by Ronald M. LeHew.

The Search for Leadership

LEADERSHIP or the lack of it, is the subject of this book. It is one man’s attempt to define the deterioration of leadership during the past four decades. It attempts to offer solutions for the decline in the ambition needed for excellence. It offers solutions, not merely for the Freemason, but for every organization. Hard cover dust jacket 240 pages. Freemasonry is a perfect place for good men to get better in the leadership abilities. Author Roberts helps masons everywhere tap into their natural leadership talent. rom the first page to the last, the reader is in for an adventure--one that will take him through the centuries of recorded history. Read about Plato, the Civil War, the “Lodge of confusion,” Prince hall Freemasonry and more.

House Undivided

Here is a story which depicts the “human” side of the conflict. Many eye-witness accounts never before published and the quotations tell what the men of 100 years ago actually said-not what someone thinks they might have said. The author has blended two histories--Freemasonry just before, during, and after the Civil War, with the history of the nation itself. Index and Bibliography. Author Roberts tells this story in chronological order so the reader may better understand the reasons for the statements and activities which took place in Masonic circles.

All books here may be purchassed through Macoy Publishing. They may be also purchased by using Amazin Smile - Use Grand Lodge Illinois Charities as your choice!

Upcoming Book reviews include, Freemason’s Guide And Compendium, The Mystic Tie, The Pocket History of Freemasonry, The Better Angels of our Nature, and Measured Expectations. If you have a Masonic Book Review, send it to the editor! admin@wcypodcast.com